Extreme heat becoming a threat to global security - Spike in electricity demand a bane for fuel supply

Gruelling seasons: A harvester collects grapes in a vineyard during a heatwave in France. Rising temperatures are also adding to transport costs by drying up vital waterways like the Rhine river and the Panama Canal besides disrupting energy supply. — AFP

SINGAPORE: Searing temperatures from Texas to Tokyo over the summer are the latest reminder of a growing headache for the energy system, as extreme heat becomes a threat to fuel supply.

In addition to causing spikes in electricity demand as people fire up air conditioners, the scorching temperatures have led to a spate of disruptions at oil refineries.